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Introduction

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The Great Gatsby - Hotspot 1

Context - Gatsby's Persona

Exercises - Gatsby's Persona

U2FsdGVkX19V26cyPl2K8vWlFAyxvfjgdqnC1E8a2oY=

The Great Gatsby - Hotspot 3

Context - Gatsby's Shattered Illusions 

Exercises - Gatsby's Shattered Illusions

U2FsdGVkX1/9L9h2gfbAWbEmzMCpBpKFxr2CW94MKiE=

The Great Gatsby - Hotspot 3 (final)

Context - Reunited in the Rain

Exercises - Reunited in the Rain

We define “literary hotspots” as critical moments of a text with rich authorial choices communicating key themes of a work. It is precisely these moments that IB English students need to master to answer a range of Paper 2 questions. Regardless of the Paper 2 question, students are likely to come back to these moments of the text. So, work carefully through this module to earn the score you covet on Paper 2.

Hotspots - Paper 2 Practice

Master analysis for Paper 2! Study in detail three relevant sections of the work - Hotspots. Focus on the Hotspots to improve your analysis and interpretation of authorial choices in “The Great Gatsby”

Literary bootcamps provide a deep dive into the themes, characters, and authorial choices needed for IB English assessment mastery. In these modules, the introduction, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions serve as an overview of the text and an exploration of key details. For Individual Oral support, the passage analysis section will help you craft a strong Global Issue statement as well as interpret the text with insight. For Paper 2, the literary hotspot section will explore key moments from the works with an eye on building the analysis skills needed for Paper 2 success. When you're ready, the final assessments will allow students to evaluate their learning and determine the next steps for revision.

Master the literary classics as you work through the introduction, flashcards, and multiple choice questions. Develop your Global Issue statement, nail your IO, and do a deep dive for Paper 2 revision!

The IB English HL Language and Literature Questionbank is an invaluable resource for students preparing for the IB English LL exams. Each Question Set presents a sample text and a corresponding guiding question similar to those found in the actual exams. The accompanying answer to the question is carefully structured into smaller, manageable steps, guiding you through the analysis of the text. Each question also includes a list of helpful ideas, a sample answer, and a step-by-step solution video. Developed by experienced IB English teachers and examiners, the Questionbank provides a useful toolkit for refining your analytical and writing skills.

Develop your analytical skills through in-depth study of a variety of texts. No pre-reading required!

IB English Guys videos are perfect companions for IB English A: Language and Literature HL students. The easy-to-follow videos meticulously outline the key strategies and techniques required to excel in each component of the IB English exams. Find paper solution videos, tips and tricks to succeed, and valuable IO and HL essay planning resources. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned IB English student, these videos provide a valuable toolkit for achieving your academic goals.

Paper solutions, samples, and analytical skills explanations curated by the IB English guys to pump up your scores.

Language & Literature HL

Novels offer rich material for IB English analysis. This section’s activities and exercises develop key skills for the Individual Oral, Paper 2, and HLE, guiding you in crafting Global Issue statements, Paper 2 responses, and Lines of Inquiry.

Prose Fiction

The Great Gatsby

It’s important for IB English students to ground themselves in a novel's major plot points, characters, and themes before moving on to deep analysis and interpretation. This section provides a broad overview of the text and the big ideas students can expect to discuss as they dive deeper into Individual Oral, Paper 2, or HLE practice. 

Before you begin working your way through the activities, review the key plot points, characters, and themes of "The Great Gatsby". 

IB English students can leverage flashcards for a quick yet important review of key concepts and skills needed for all assessments. Each card is designed to challenge students yet support them with powerful explanatory paragraphs. Working through decks of flashcards is excellent practice for the Individual Oral, Paper 2, and Higher Level Essay.

Flashcards

Explore and study Symbols, Literary Devices, and Key Quotes in “The Great Gatsby”  with these flashcards. 

Working through challenging MCQs is a great way for IB English students to think deeply about their text while deepening the analysis and interpretation skills needed for all aspects of Language and Literature. Each response includes an accompanying explanatory paragraph that builds the insight needed for Individual Oral, Paper 2, and HLE success.

Multiple Choice Questions

Boost your knowledge of “The Great Gatsby”! All you need to know about Context and Historical Background, Setting and Atmosphere, and the Characters of this novel.

Choosing the right extract is a critical step for IB English students looking to ace the Individual Oral assessment. This section leads students through three powerful passages, all of which would make great IO extracts or “work as a whole” moments. Upon completion of this module, Language and Literature students will have a strong Global Issue statement and the rich analytical and interpretative skills necessary to master the IO.

Passage Analysis - IO Practice

All you need to know to ace your Individual Oral! Analyze sample passages, develop Global Issues, and improve your interpretation.

IB English students can test their overall knowledge, analysis, and interpretation by working through this section. Students looking to sharpen their IO will link their “extract” to the “work as a whole” while practicing vital skills necessary to reach top scores. Paper 2 students will be challenged to leverage all three “literary hotspots” and answer a challenging Paper 2 question. This is excellent practice for both IB assessments and in-class summative assessments.

Final Assessment

Are you ready? Test yourself with this Final Assessment. 

The Handmaid's Tale

Watch the video, answer the questions, and read the overview content about key plot points, characters, and themes of "The Handmaid's Tale."

Tackle and master three decks of flashcards on the broad authorial choices, symbols, and allusions of "The Handmaid's Tale."

Working through challenging MCQs is a great way for IB English students to think deeply about their text while deepening the analysis and interpretation skills needed for all aspects of IBDP English A. Each response includes an accompanying explanatory paragraph that builds the insight needed for Individual Oral, Paper 2, and Higher Level Essay success.

Work through these multiple choice questions to sharpen your analysis and interpretation of "The Handmaid's Tale."

Choosing the right extract is a critical step for IB English students looking to ace the Individual Oral assessment. This section leads students through three powerful passages, all of which would make great IO extracts or “work as a whole” moments. Upon completion of this module, IBDP English A students will have a strong Global Issue statement and the rich analytical and interpretative skills necessary to master the IO.

Three powerful passages are provided with practice questions, explanations, and all you need to master the IO.

Literary Hotspots - Paper 2 Practice

Work through three powerful moments of the text and master each "literary hotspot." This is Paper 2 gold!

Try the questions to check your mastery of the key plot points, characters, and themes of this powerful literary work.

The Stranger

Beloved

Chronicle of a Death Foretold

Graphic novels require visual literacy, while memoirs demand unique analysis of authorial choices. This module builds skills for the Individual Oral, Paper 2, and HLE, ensuring success with both text types.

Prose Non-Fiction

Persepolis

Graphic novels and memoirs are great options for IB English assessment. This section provides a broad overview of "Persepolis," and the big ideas students can expect to discuss as they dive deeper into Individual Oral, Paper 2, or HLE practice.

Before you begin working your way through the activities in this Bootcamp, review the key characters, themes, and essential authorial choices in "Persepolis"

Master the most relevant aspects of “Persepolis” with these flashcards! Each card is designed with powerful explanatory paragraphs to help you master the content. Working through decks of flashcards is excellent practice for the Individual Oral, Paper 2, and Higher Level Essay.

Working through these flashcards for "Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood" to master the broad authorial choices, symbols, and the most important quotes of this text. 

Boost your knowledge of “Persepolis. The Story of a Childhood”! Go over important themes, characters, and events.

Get ready to rock your IO! In this module you will analyze sample passages, develop Global Issues, and improve your interpretation of “Persepolis” to score your best.

Master analysis for Paper 2! Study in detail three relevant sections of the work - Hotspots. Focus on the Hotspots to improve your analysis and interpretation of authorial choices in  “Persepolis. The story of a childhood”

Are you ready? Try out the Final Assessment tasks for the IO and Paper 2. 

Born a Crime

Maus

Barefoot Gen

Plays offer rich material for IB English, with stage directions, props, and dialogue ripe for interpretation. This section provides activities to excel in the Individual Oral, Paper 2, and HLE.

Drama

A Doll's House

It’s important for IB English students to ground themselves in a play's major plot points, characters, and themes before moving on to deep analysis and interpretation. This section provides a broad overview of the text and the big ideas students can expect to discuss as they dive deeper into Individual Oral, Paper 2, or HLE practice.

Before you begin working your way through the activities, review the key plot points, characters, and themes of "A Doll's House"

Explore and study symbols, broad authorial choices, setting, and characters in "A Doll's House" with these flashcards.

Work your way through the 3 acts of "A Doll's House" with the Multiple Choice Questions to boot your knowledge and understanding of the play.

All you need to know to ace your Individual Oral. Analyze sample passages, develop Global Issues, and improve your interpretation.

Master analysis for Paper 2! Study in detail three relevant sections of the work - Hotspots. Focus on the Hotspots to improve your analysis and interpretation of authorial choices in "A Doll's House"

Are you ready? Test yourself with this Final Assessment.

Antigone

Death and the Maiden

Poems, with their rich figurative language and ideas, are perfect for analysis. This section offers close reading and writing exercises to excel in the Individual Oral, Paper 2, and HLE.

Poetry

Wilfred Owen

Carol Ann Duffy

Wisława Szymborska

Emily Dickinson

Malala Yousafzsai is a Pakistani education activist who has been campaigning for the rights of women from a young age. 

How does the text encourage support for girls’ education?

Website: Malala Fund 

Post from a fashion and lifestyle blog, “Style by Marsh”, published in September 2023. 

In what way does the article use text and images to appeal to its intended audience?

Blogpost: Style by Marsh

Form of an Instagram post for The Female Lead's #DisruptYourFeed campaign that shares both visual slogans and accompanying explanatory text and research.

How does The Female Lead's #DisruptYourFeed campaign utilise visual and textual elements to influence readers' perspectives of social media?

Instagram Campaign: #disruptyourfeed by @the_female_lead

A tweet thread from the website X (formerly Twitter) offers different perspectives on the 2023 COP28 agreement.

Analyze the extent to which tweets combine different perspectives.

X (Previously “Twitter”) Feed: 2023 COP Agreements

 Blog post, published by PLoS (Public Library of Science), an organisation that intends to accelerate progress in the fields of science and medicine by providing Open Access to quality research online.

How does the text try to make this information about a very different time and place accessible and engaging?

Blog Post: Were Pterosaurus the Flamingoes of the Jurassic?

Blogs, Websites, and Social Media

 Cover of Ms., an American feminist magazine founded in 1971. This edition was published in 2012.

How does intertextuality enhance the reader’s understanding of the themes of this text?

Magazine Cover/Comic: Ms. 40th Issue

Text is from a New Zealand government website, “Keep it Real Online,” which aims to help educators, families and young people develop online safety skills.

How do the visual and textual elements in the image work together to convey a powerful message?

PSA: Keep it Real Online

The text is a fashion magazine cover featuring actor Winona Ryder published in 1999.

 In what way does the text use written text and images to appeal to its readers?

Magazine Cover: Vogue

In what ways does the interplay between text and image enhance the effectiveness of the advertisement?

1950s advertisement for Pan Am’s Jet Clipper service, which offers an interesting balance between images and text to offer their exceptional service.

Advertisment: Pan Am

Magazine Covers and Ads

Poster created by the queer, feminist artist known as Liberal Jane. This text serves as a poignant commentary about capitalism and its consequences.

How does the interplay of visual elements and text in this image contribute to its commentary on societal issues?

Political Cartoon: REST! - Capitalism is Exhausting

Blondie is a long-running American comic strip which has been published in newspapers since the 1930s. This particular comic strip was published in 1949.

How does this text use stereotypes that reflect the context of its production?

Comic Strip: Blondie

This political cartoon appeared in 1916, as the nation debated new restrictions on immigration which foreshadowed the 1924 National Origins Act (USA), which ended the years of mass immigration.

Analyze how the cartoon depicts the plight of the immigrants, and why it depicts it that way. 

Cartoon: Immigration 

Parody of a magazine cover designed by Peter Kleinman for the magazine “National Lampoon”

How does the text directly reference or challenge cultural archetypes in American society?

Parody: American Bride

The “IKEA manuals for Aliens” and a sample Assembly Manual for Aliens of IKEA’s popular BRIMNES bed

How does IKEA’s alien-themed manual make use of well-known, stereotypical ideas about aliens and extraterrestrial worlds?

Parody: IKEA assembly manual for aliens

Parodies and Cartoons

Letter written by Van Gogh to his brother in the 1880s.

How does the writer use language to communicate his thoughts and feelings about art and health?

Informal Letter: Van Gogh to his Brother

Grievance letter, sent from a worker to the Health and Mental Care officer in order to address working conditions for a better work environment.

How does the letter use language and style to effectively convey the sender’s concerns, proposed solutions, and commitment in a professional manner? 

Formal Letter: Grievance Letter

Speech delivered by Jørgen Gunnarsson Løvland, speaking on behalf of the Nobel Committee, introducing Baroness Bertha von Suttner who was the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905.

How does the text effectively use historical references and literary devices to convey a persuasive message?

Speech: Nobel Committee Introduction

Letters and Speeches

Extract from the start of a 20-page rule book that accompanies the game “Roads and Boats,” published in 2003.

How have the creators of this text used linguistic and visual techniques to communicate with readers for a variety of purposes?

Game Rule Book: Roads and Boats

Educational infographic called “What is music theory?” created by Toby W. Rush, a music educator and technologist. 

How does the interplay of text and visual elements contribute to the overall impact and effectiveness of the message in the creation of a global and cross-generational appeal?

Infographic: What is Music Theory?

Infographics, Brochures, and Instructions

About the efforts of organizations in Jackson, Mississippi, USA; and other cities in the USA, to correct housing injustice and other forms of injustice. 

Analyze how the article uses juxtaposition to influence the audience.

Article: After Centuries of Housing Racism, a Southern City Gets Innovative.

In "Worth-While Work," Miss Dix addresses a letter from Grace, a 40-year-old woman feeling unfulfilled despite her extensive responsibilities as a mother and homemaker.

How does the advice column reinforce or challenge prevailing attitudes towards women’s work and personal fulfilment?

Advice Column: Worth-While Work

The text is a column called "Immigration and Immigration" from the Geelong Advertiser, an Australian newspaper published in 1920.

How does the text convey the author’s ideas about immigration?

Opinion Column: Immigration and Immigration

Review of the movie Bloody Daddy published in Times of India.

How do the film poster and the text work together in the creation of meaning and to what effect?

Movie Review: Bloody Daddy 

The text is a research article on how cats like to play fetch, aptly named “Cats like to play fetch, as long as it’s on their terms – new research”, from the online source “The Conversation” 

To what extent does the article use insights from diverse sources and how does this exploration contribute to the significance of play in promoting the well-being of domestic cats?

Article: Cats like to play fetch, as long as it’s on their terms – new research

Article "How the humble limpet helped humas develop, survive and thrive", published in the online newspaper, “The Conversation”, in October 2023. 

Explore how time and space intersect with considerations of language and audience in the text.

Scientific Article: How the Limpet Helped Humans Develop

On Independent Filmmaking, Ecological Crisis and Human Extinction with Filmmaker Bérangère Maïa N. Parizeau

To what extent does the strategic amalgamation of creativity, environmentalism and politics in this text shapes perspectives and influences the reader? 

Interview: Exploring the Responsibility of our Privilege on Independent Filmmaking.

Articles, Opinion Columns, and Interviews

The text is a transcript of "Compliance Time", podcast hosted by Denitsa Blagova.

How does the interplay between tone, language, and content in this podcast shape listeners’ perceptions and engagement with the subject matter?

Podcast: Compliance Time

 Poster advertising the feature film “The Giant of Marathon”, which was released in Italy in 1959.

How have the creators used linguistic and visual techniques to influence the audience?

Movie Poster: The Giant of Marathon

2011 NBA collective bargaining agreement, which represents a legally binding document resulting from extensive negotiations between the parties involved.

 How does the author's use of structure and style engage the intended audience?

Contract: 2011 NBA Collective Bargain Agreement

Other Texts

 Refine your non-literary analysis for Paper 1!

Paper 1: Textual Insight

The 2023 comic “Tempus Fugit” by Grant Snider explores the existential fear of running out of time. 

How does the artist use text and image to create meaning?

Comic: Tempus Fugit

The 2024 infographic from Visual Capitalist graphs global climate emissions by regions from 1850 to 2022. It clearly shows how the three largest regional emitters are responsible for a significant amount of global emissions.

How do the visual and textual elements combine to make the infographic clear and engaging? 

Infographic: Visualizing 150 Years of Cumulative GHG Emissions

This 2013 cartoon by Debbie Ridpath Ohi explores the advantages and disadvantages of technology. The speed of technological communication is explored to comedic effect in the context of an aspiring writer’s rejection.

How does the artist use visual and textual features to convey the figures’ emotions and an overall message?

Cartoon: Technology and Rejections

Image-Based Texts

A script by Paul Knauer about two aliens named Jerry Seinfeld and Newman, who give a press conference in an Apple story about their arrival on Earth, and their plans for their visit. 

To what effect does the author use humour in the text?

Script: Alien Press Conference

This podcast is about the history of the invasive bird, the European starling, in the United States, and about the motivations of Eugene Schieffelin to bring the bird to the country

To what effect does the text blend genre conventions?

Podcast: Starlings Podcast 

The text is a post fom the travel blog “Experience TRAVEL GROUP” that explores ideas such as adventure and exploration, as well as personal experiences.

How does the blog post leverage text and images to communicate a message about travel?

The Great Gatsby
Hotspots - Paper 2 Practice

Introduction

Context - Gatsby's Persona

Exercises - Gatsby's Persona

Context - Gatsby's Shattered Illusions

Exercises - Gatsby's Shattered Illusions

Context - Reunited in the Rain

Exercises - Reunited in the Rain

#1 IB Math Resource

34% Grade Increase

80% of IB Students

More IB English Language & Literature HL Resources

Questionbank

Practice Exams

IB English Guys

Past Papers

Bootcamps

The Great GatsbyHotspots - Paper 2 Practice

Introduction

Context - Gatsby's Persona

Exercises - Gatsby's Persona

Context - Gatsby's Shattered Illusions

Exercises - Gatsby's Shattered Illusions

Context - Reunited in the Rain

Exercises - Reunited in the Rain

#1 IB Math Resource

34% Grade Increase

80% of IB Students

More IB English Language & Literature HL Resources

Questionbank

Practice Exams

IB English Guys

Past Papers

Bootcamps

The Great Gatsby
Hotspots - Paper 2 Practice